Why Are Mountain Bikes so Uncomfortable?

Historically, Mountain Bikes have not been the most comfortable type of bicycle to ride. Despite their suspension and large tires, riding a mountain bike isn’t always as comfortable as a cruise on a beach cruiser. Although mountain bikes may not be the most comfortable things to ride on, what they lack in comfort they make up for in performance. Below, we will be covering what makes a mountain bike so uncomfortable, how to make it a little better, and why it may be worth it.

Performance Over Comfort

In almost any industry, performance and comfort tend to be sacrificed for each other. Sports cars tend to have slightly less legroom, less suspension, and generally a less comfortable ride. A luxury vehicle, although it may have a lot of power under the hood, generally underperforms compared to sports cars of the same price tag. Mountain Bikes are similar. Some common items that will make for a more comfortable ride on a mountain bike are:

Comfort items:

1. Larger Seats
2. Higher Seat Position
3. Higher handlebars
4. A less extreme riding position

Larger Seats

These items, although they may be comfortable, will directly effect the performance of the bike.
Larger seats tend to get in the way of movement while riding. Depending on the type of riding, it is critical that seats are out of the way. Larger seats will also make for a more comfortable ride, but it’s much harder to get low and to take turns in the best position.

Seat Height

Seat Height is a very important step to both optimizing your bike for your height and ride style. People tend to choose a lower seat height for downhill sections but may need a higher seat for uphill climbs. Dropper posts are great additions to a mountain bike that may help you be a little more comfortable on your ride without sacrificing performance. Seat height is one item that may be critical to improving your comfort. If you are going on a long uphill ride, choosing a higher seat position will help generate more power and keep your back from hurting on the climb. However, it’s important to drop that seat as soon as you hit a downhill section. Dropper posts help immensely with this and are very important to take your rides to the next level.

Higher Handlebars

When comparing a mountain bike to a more comfortable bike like a beach cruiser, one would immediately notice the shape and position of the handlebars. Beach cruisers use a relaxed, high hand position that make riding beach cruisers much more comfortable. Mountain bikes however, can not use this position as it would put the rider in a less controllable position. Wide bars on a single track can easily become a hindrance, as you are more likely to hit branches.

Less Extreme Riding Positions

Mountain Bikes and more specifically downhill mountain bikes have extremely slack riding positions. This position puts the rider lower and further back on the bike. This is great for downhill and control, but is not the most comfortable position when choosing to cruise the streets. Although this is something that you would not likely be able to change if you wish to mountain bike. It is something that is a clear trade-off for performance.

When Should You Choose Comfort?

Comfort on the trail is very important, especially if you’re preparing for a long ride. Having comfortable equipment and riding setup will help your body stay in good condition for a long ride, it will also help you stay fresh for longer and keep your strength for when it’s needed.

Protective Gear

Protective gear such as helmets, pads, and gloves should fit comfortably and be breathable enough that they won’t bother you on your ride. The last thing you want is for your helmet to be taken off because it’s uncomfortable. Comfortable protective gear helps make sure its get put on and stays on for the whole ride.

Bike Size

Bike size is incredibly important when it comes to both performance and comfort. Changing seat height is one way to make sure your bike fits you but depending on your size, you may need a larger frame to begin with. Riding a bike that is too small is dangerous and also incredibly uncomfortable. If you find that your bike simply doesn’t fit you, size up or down. If your bike is the correct size for you, it should be controllable and comfortable.

Conclusion

Mountain Bikes are far from the most comfortable form of transportation, however, they are the most capable when it comes to trail riding and off-road adventures. The demands of the sport require mountain bikes to sacrifice many comforts for the sake of weight, efficiency and performance. Larger seats, aggressive bike slope, and riding position are all items that contribute to both the discomfort and the performance of a bike. Despite these shortcomings, there are some things that should be taken into account when deciding what bike you should get. Bike size and seat height are 2 of the most important things that can help make your bike more comfortable. A bike that is too small, or a seat that is too high, will make your bike more difficult to control and also very uncomfortable. Spend some time in the parking lot before your ride to get everything dialed